Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise

“Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise and San Juan Sleepover”

October 3-12, 2013

Only $2499 per person (based on double occupancy)

Think you've seen the Caribbean before? Unless you've been with Rawhide Travel and Tours, better think again! If you're looking for that "different vacation" mixed with warm turquoise lagoons, exotic tropical scenery, breathtaking beauty along with relaxation and luxury, then this is your ticket to see and experience some of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean! 

Join us as we discover the grandeur of the sizzling Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's 90,000 ton superstar - the M/S Jewel of the Seas! This spectacular "floating resort" has the entire cruise industry talking. Sailing from San Juan, you'll first visit Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands, the Duty Free Shopping Capitol Of The Caribbean! 

Here you'll experience magnificent sun drenched beaches with emerald colored lagoons, secluded coves, pristine coral reefs, untouched rain forests and spectacular world renowned shopping! 

Next, Saint Kitts, located in the West Indies, a tropical paradise set amidst unspoiled secluded white sand beaches, aqua lagoons and intoxicating natural beauty making it one of the most seductive spots in the entire Caribbean with its British influence. 

Next stop - Aruba! If the palm fringed white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons don't get your heart pounding, the dazzling casinos and magnificent architecture will. This "Dutch paradise" is located in the Netherland Antilles, and its brightly painted buildings are as neat and trim as any on the canals of Amsterdam. Last stop  - Curacao! This yummy exotic destination, also located in the Netherland Antilles, leaves nothing to the imagination.

 It's truly a "secluded slice of paradise" with its exquisite and vibrant colored colonial buildings. From national parks to water sports, and from old pirate forts to the underwater sea life, this is one tropical paradise you'll never forget. 

And, as if this magnificent luxury cruise weren't enough, the price includes everything but the kitchen sink! A spacious category El Balconied Stateroom including seven meals per day, nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, round trip air from Phoenix to San Juan (air also available from 171 other U.S. cities including Honolulu, Anchorage and 18 Canadian towns but air price may vary depending on your actual departure city other than Phoenix), all foreign and U.S. taxes, all security, government and airport fees, all port taxes, all transfers, resort overnight stay in San Juan including all hotel taxes and services fees, several gala parties during the cruise, even cancellation insurance and ship tips! 

So what are you waiting for? Some people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in , you only have to wait until October 03, 2013.  

WARNING: This cruise may cause thrill-related injuries. Eyes in the back of your head recommended. Experience life without a ripcord and call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100! Limited space. 

Happy "Caribbean sailing" trails to you......

To find out more about this once in a lifetime Cruise or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com

Family Spring Break: Vancouver BC, Canada

Vancouver BC, on the West Coast of Canada, has a mild climate with only a few snowfalls in the winter, and by the time Spring Break rolls around, spring has truly bloomed. Hiking or biking in Stanley Park is a favorite tourist activity, sailboats bob in the sea, and the golf courses are busy. 

Although it's springtime by the sea, there is still snow on the mountains that give Vancouver its dramatic backdrop, and visitors can easily head for the hills for a day of snowsports. Three local ski resorts are a half-hour from downtown, including: Cypress Mountain, an Olympic venue in 2010, and Grouse Mountain, whose scenic gondola is a popular tourist attraction year-round. 

Chosen as the world's "Most Liveable City" in 2010 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a title it has been awarded eight times since 2002.

Vancouver offers travellers both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city. Take advantage of the city's oceanside location, with plenty of green space and many recreation opportunities in the mountains 20 minutes north of downtown. After a busy day, linger over a glass of BC wine and a locally inspired meal, or unwind at one of Vancouver's unique spas. 

While this sea-level port city is known for its temperate climate, the surrounding snow-covered slopes are perfect for winter sports and breathtaking views of the city twinkling below. Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where it's possible to ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon.

Spectacular viewpoints, wildlife viewing opportunities (including whale-watching tours or bear-watching tours) and many sites of historic and cultural interest are found throughout BC.

Looking for a place that will make spring break special this year? Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!


Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Unusual Places to Stay in the United States

If you are looking for a place to stay that is not your run of the mill hotel, here are five suggestion that are uniquely different. 

Saugerties Lighthouse, New York

This beautifully restored Lighthouse, built in 1869, sits in splendid isolation as a landmark beacon on the River Hudson, and its operational light tower offers panoramic views of the river with the Catskill Mountains to the west and Magdalen and Cruger Islands to the south.

The lighthouse can be reached either by boat, or by a short walk through a nature trail, so it is advisable to travel light. Offering guests a tranquil escape from nearby New York City, the lighthouse provides overnight bed and breakfast accommodation.

All-American aluminum trailer, Bisbee, Arizona

Stay in one of nine fully restored vintage aluminum travel trailers at Shady Dell.

Whether it’s the 10-meter Royal Mansion built in 1951 and fitted out with leopard carpet, martini glasses, diner-style breakfast booth and phonograph with a collection of 78 rpm records, or the 1947 Tiki Bus Polynesian Palace with a hand-carved bar, vintage black and white TV and music from the period being played on the radio, the trailers take you back to a time when you could hit the open road in search of the 1950s all-American dream.

The Shady Dell’s long and epic journey began in 1927 as a place to provide trailer and camping spaces to weary travelers along the famous Highway 80, which stretched from Savannah, Georgia to San Diego, California.  Like its more famous brother Route 66, Highway 80 was a center of travel, exploration and family getaways in the early portions of the 20th century.  Today, the park is a nice mix of practicality and vintage fun-seeking.

Winvian Resort in Litchfield Village, Connecticut

Winvian Resort in Litchfield Village, Connecticut has 19 buildings/rooms that are done in a different motif. These accommodations include the Tree house Room, the Beaver Room, The Helicopter room (with an actual helicopter inside that you can sleep in), the Music Room, and the Golf Room. The resort is on a 113 acre site bordered by a 4,000 acre wildlife sanctuary.

Winvian was once the tranquil family farm of Winthrop and Vivian Smith. Over a weekend in 2001, the daughter and granddaughter team of Maggie and Heather Smith decided on a no-rules design competition to transform the property and eventually engaged 15 architects to build 18 amazing cottages and one suite - each with a design history of its own. 

Pod Up North - Woodruff, Wisconsin

Enjoy the beautiful northwoods from the comfort of your Futuro spaceship! Welcome to the home of the most unique vacation rental you have ever seen! Our Futuro POD was featured on an episode of the Extreme Homes National TV Show back in 2003 and is a wonderfully constructed, eccentric and rare home with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable and provide an experience you will always remember.

Think about waking up in the morning, lowering the steps of the POD and strolling down to your private access, 60 acre lake with a soft, sand beach. Relax on the dock while your children take the paddle boat for a quiet cruise around the lake. After dinner you look out at the glassy water with the sun setting on the shore, pick up the fishing gear and try your luck at some of the many walleye, bass, musky, or pan fish that inhabit the quaint lake. 

Spruce Mountain Lookout - Wyoming

Formerly used to detect fires, the live-in tower rises 55 feet above a forested mountaintop in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The tower was renovated and opened to the public for overnight rental in 1997. The tower is at an elevation of 10,003 feet. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms. The Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower may be rented from mid-June to October 1st, weather permitting. 

The tower is located seven miles west of Albany, Wyoming on Forest Road #500, a well-graveled road accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Hiking and scenic driving opportunities abound nearby. The scenic Snowy Range is an hour's drive away via State Highway 11 and State Highway 130.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com  

Make Economy Feel Like First Class

Seat Selection
Check-in online as early as possible to swap your seats (or to confirm the good ones you snagged when you bought your ticket). Window seats away from toilets and galleys should be your objective, preferably as close to the front of the plane as possible: The fewer heads you can see ahead of you, the more VIP you'll feel. But beware of bulkheads as they often cater to parents and infants; diaper bags and baby bits take up lots of space and will creep into your space without fail. If you are capable of handling the requirements, an emergency row seats are comfortable thanks to the extended legroom. But the two aisles are prime time. 

Keep Calm and Carry On
Keep your carry-on to a minimum in a chic tote that can fit under the seat in front of you while leaving plenty of room to stretch out. Bags which take up too much under-seat space and crowd your feet should go up into the overhead locker without fail. It's best to have your essentials (like your book, headphones, iPod, etc.) handy in a light-weight pochette which you can take out and keep with you while your carry-on is stowed up and out of the way.

Amenity Kits
Business and First Class passengers are treated to amenity kits filled with all sorts of goodies to make longer flights more comfortable.  Just create your own. Put travel sized versions of your favourite toner, moisturiser, hand cream, and lip balm into a bag. A tiny vial (or two) of aromatherapy oil is another must have: A little sniff can be comforting if not downright indispensable if the plane has some nasty turbulence. Bring along a few delicious snacks to enjoy for free. A moist towelette for freshening up, dental floss, a toothbrush and toothpaste can also keep you refreshed on longer flights. 

Headphones Help
Privacy is the traveler's greatest luxury and something that's sorely missing from the back of the plane. Noise-cancelling headphones can help you feel like you're in your own cocooned space, even if the stranger sitting next to you is just an inch away. And whether you're actually listening to anything or not, headphones of any kind will send a message to the chatty grandma on your other side. 

First-Class Nap
On longer flights, the difference between the refreshed-looking passengers that emerge from the front cabins and the bleary-eyed masses that stagger out of the back of the plane is sleep. Help induce sleep in economy with a travel pillow, a comfortable shawl and eye mask.  Also look for free white noise apps to download to your phone, which can block out the noise while flying.  Although comfort isn't guaranteed, even an awkward slumber will make the flight go a lot quicker and you'll feel less fatigued when you land. 


Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com 

National Park of American Samoa American Samoa

Located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, the national park is on three volcanic and mountainous islands clothed in tropical rainforest, ringed with rugged cliffs, glistening beaches, and coral reefs.

The national park preserves and protects tropical rainforests, coral reefs, fruit bats, and the Samoan culture.

Because the park is relatively new and remotely located, you will not find the usual facilities of parks on the mainland. Instead, with a bit of explorer's spirit, you can discover secluded villages, observe tropical forest plants and wildlife, snorkel coral reefs, and explore the magnificent island and sea vistas.

American Samoa, the only U.S. territory south of the equator, consists of five rugged, highly eroded volcanic islands and two coral atolls.  The land area of the territory is 76 square miles.

American Samoa is steeped in history as our Territory was once administered by the US Navy. The American Samoa Historic Preservation Office (ASHPO) has produced a “Walking Tour of Historic Fagatogo” booklet and the National Park of American Samoa office has maps to lead you up to the gun placements at Blunts and Breakers Points that guarded the Pago Pago Harbor entrance during World War II. 

Take a visit to the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo which houses historical artifacts and exhibits including a small exhibit of American Samoa’s link to the Apollo Moon Missions. During the space race in the 1960’s and 70’s the Apollo Moon Missions on their return to earth splashed down in the Territory’s waters with all the astronauts transiting through Tutuila on their way back to the US mainland. On one of the missions a small American Samoa flag that was carried to the moon by the astronauts, and this flag and three moon stones were presented to the Territory by then President Richard Nixon.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Plan Your Next Vacation With Rawhide Travel and Tours

Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of “75 years of travel experience" provides amazing deals for your dream vacation with experienced, friendly travel experts.

Services offered include booking domestic and international air travel, hotel and resort reservations, car rental and cruises for individuals, corporate, group and incentive travel. Also tour packages of every type from a weekend getaway, to San Diego or Disneyland to involved and detailed vacations worldwide.

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Family Spring Break: Disney Cruise

Want to do something a little different this spring break?  Have you considered a Disney Cruise?

There's a special place where kids can train to be a pirate with Captain Hook while parents are off lounging the day away at an adult-exclusive pool. It's an enchanted place where the entire family can dine at a different restaurant each night, laugh and cheer during an original Disney-themed musical, or watch a fireworks show under the stars.

All of this and so much more is included in your Disney cruise.  A Disney cruise offers a vacation experience unlike any other. Discover what sets them apart during a one-of-a-kind voyage that includes the world-class hospitality, legendary service and attention to detail that Disney is famous for, it's magic only Disney could provide.

Entertainment and Fun for Everyone
•Delight in extravagant, Broadway-caliber Disney live shows and entertainment every night of your cruise that you won't find anywhere else.
•Come together for unique deck parties, including an unforgettable firework spectacular at sea, starring many of your favorite Disney Characters.
•Watch first-run and classic Disney movies under the stars or state-of-the-art theatre spaces featuring Dolby 3D projection and sound.

Dining for Every Taste
•Experience the star treatment as you enjoy Disney's one-of-a-kind Rotational Dining, in which you're invited to "rotate" through wondrously themed restaurants with personalized service from a wait staff that travels with you to each meal.
•Take your pick of a variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and more, including casual on-deck eateries, amazing Disney themed restaurants and complimentary 24-hour room service.
•Enjoy complimentary sodas, coffee and tea on deck and in the dining rooms throughout your cruise.

Kids Clubs
•Kids ages 3 through 12 can learn and play in larger-than-life children's activity spaces fueled by Disney storytelling and participate in activities hosted by specially trained Disney counselors. And we offer longest complimentary hours at sea, there's never an extra charge in the evening.
•Tweens ages 11 through 14 are invited to dock in a youth club all their own, where Disney storytelling comes alive and videogames, music, and movies are available throughout the day.
•Teens can relax in their own parents-free teen spaces until 2:00 a.m. with activities like karaoke, video game challenges, trivia showdowns, dance parties and tons more under the supervision of a cool staff who like to join in the fun.
•Complimentary kids club dining available for lunch and dinner means the excitement doesn't have to stop during the day.

For the Adults
•Adults enjoy the best of both worlds: Time with the kids and time alone. Escape to the privacy of serene, adults-only locales, including intimate nightclubs and lounges, a tranquil pool and whirlpool spa, and more.
•Take part in a plethora of unique, fun-filled activities designed exclusively for adults, like nighttime dancing, adult-exclusive mixers and shows, absorbing lectures and eye-opening tours.

Staterooms Designed with Your Family in Mind
•Rest in absolute comfort with extra storage, split bathrooms (in most staterooms) and privacy curtains that make getting ready easier for everyone.
•Large travel parties can take advantage of convenient sofa beds or even request adjoining rooms, pending availability.
•In-room movies and refrigerator plus attentive service from our friendly housekeeping crew help to provide a smoother sailing for all.
•Experience Disney's world-renowned attention to detail, from vintage decorative touches to the playful "towelgami" you'll find waiting for you each night.


To book your Disney Cruise call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Panda Inn Sichuan, China

In Sichuan, China, a hotel for panda lovers Panda lovers of the world now have another place to call home (for a few nights, at least). In February, the Panda Inn, a panda-themed hotel in China's Sichuan province, opened its doors to guests. The 32-room hotel is decorated with panda art, panda furniture and panda-shaped stuffed animals. Even staff members dress in panda suits. 

The hotel is located at the foot of Mt. Emei Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where China's first Buddhist temple was built in the 1st century. For guests hoping to see real pandas, the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, home to about a third of the world's panda population, is about 100 miles north.

The Panda Inn, which began welcoming guests in February, will officially open in May. 

The hotel's 32 rooms will soon embrace their first guests with black, white and cuddles. 

Available in single, twin and double, each room differs with themes ranging from anime and film to embroidery and tea culture.

It's hard to imagine the hotel won't satisfy the world's innate love of pandas, but a two-hour drive will take you to the real deal at the Chengdu Breeding and Research Centre, which houses the most captive-born giant pandas in the world. As a demonstration project of giant panda ex-situ conservation, the Chengdu Panda Base has not only dedicated itself to giant panda conservation, but has also made great efforts to combine natural scenery and man-made landscapes to create wonderful and humane living areas for giant pandas, red pandas, and other Chinese endangered animals.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793

(602) 843-5100 

rawhidetravel.com 

Tips for Driving Overseas

In a time of online reservation systems, renting a car in another country is so simple that's it's easy to forget what awaits you upon arrival. By doing a little preparation, you can take the challenges in stride and enjoy the freedom to explore only a car can provide.

Call your insurer and credit cards before departure to figure out what coverage you'll need: When you get to the rental counter in your destination country, you'll almost always find they recommend the most expensive insurance option. But by knowing in advance what sort of international coverage you already have through your existing car insurance and credit cards, you may be able to save yourself some money.

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) : They are available from AAA and the National Automobile Club. 

To apply for an IDP, you must:
•be at least age 18
•present two passport-size photographs and
•present your valid U.S. license
The cost of an IDP from these U.S. State Department-authorized organizations is less than $20.00.

Carry both your IDP and your U.S. state driver's license with you at all times, as many countries have different driving rules. If possible, obtain a copy of the foreign country’s driving laws before you begin driving in that country. Information may be available from the foreign country’s embassy in the United States, foreign government tourism offices, or from a car rental company in the foreign country.

Familiarize yourself with signs and basic rules: What does a Japanese stop sign look like? Who has the right-of-way in France's roundabouts? There's no better time to appreciate the cultural specificity of iconography than when you're surrounded by utterly mystifying road signs while driving in a foreign country. Study up in advance (you can often find a country-specific road-sign guide online), or contact the car-rental agency to see if it provides a cheat-sheet you can keep with you in the car.

If the drivers in the country you are visiting drive on the left side of the road, it may be prudent to practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive in heavy traffic. 

Consider a GPS navigation system: The last thing you need when you're keeping up with unfamiliar traffic patterns is to be constantly glancing down to trace your route on a map. If you don't have a GPS device, you can often rent them along with your car. A word to the wise: Be sure your rented navigation system speaks English before you leave the car rental location. 

Beware Old Parts of Cities: When you're planning your driving routes, beware of old neighborhoods in cities. What look like normal roads on maps can easily turn out to be streets so narrow you have to flip the side mirrors in to squeeze through. Look for larger streets whenever possible.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hawaii

Volcanoes are monuments to Earth's origin, evidence that its primordial forces are still at work. During a volcanic eruption, we are reminded that our planet is an ever-changing environment whose basic processes are beyond human control. As much as we have altered the face of the Earth to suit our needs, we can only stand in awe before the power of an eruption.

 During a volcanic eruption, we are reminded that our planet is an ever-changing environment whose basic processes are beyond human control. As much as we have altered the face of the Earth to suit our needs, we can only stand in awe before the power of an eruption.

Volcanoes are also prodigious land builders - they have created the Hawaiian Island chain. Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes, are still adding to the island of Hawaii. Mauna Loa is the most massive mountain on Earth occupying an estimated volume of 19,999 cubic miles. The current summit of Mauna Loa stands about 56,000 feet (17,000 m) above the depressed sea floor. This is more than 27,000 feet (8,230 m) higher than Mount Everest. In contrast to the explosive continental volcanoes, the more fluid and less gaseous eruptions of Kilauea and Mauna Loa produce fiery fountains and rivers of molden lava. These flows, added layer upon layer, produced a barren volcanic landscape that served as a fountain for life. Hundreds of species of plants and animals found their way across the vast Pacific on wind, water, and the wings of birds. A few survived, adapted, and prospered during this time of isolation. The arrival of humans, first Polynesians, then Europeans and the plants and animals they brought with them drastically altered this evolutionary showcase, this grand natural experiment.

Today Hawaii Volcanoes National Park displays the results of at least 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution in the Hawaiian Island-Emperor Seamount chain-processes that would thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. Created to preserve the natural setting of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the park is also a refuge for the island's native plants and animals and a link to its human past. Park managers and scientists work to protect the resources and promote understanding and appreciation of the park visitors. Research by scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory makes Kilauea one of the best understood volcanoes in the world, shedding light on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and the beginnings of planet Earth. Each eruption is a reminder of the power of natural processes to change the air we breath, the ground we walk on, and the sea that surrounds this volcanic island we call home.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise

“Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise and San Juan Sleepover”

October 3-12, 2013

Only $2499 per person (based on double occupancy)

Think you've seen the Caribbean before? Unless you've been with Rawhide Travel and Tours, better think again! If you're looking for that "different vacation" mixed with warm turquoise lagoons, exotic tropical scenery, breathtaking beauty along with relaxation and luxury, then this is your ticket to see and experience some of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean! 

Join us as we discover the grandeur of the sizzling Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's 90,000 ton superstar - the M/S Jewel of the Seas! This spectacular "floating resort" has the entire cruise industry talking. Sailing from San Juan, you'll first visit Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands, the Duty Free Shopping Capitol Of The Caribbean! 

Here you'll experience magnificent sun drenched beaches with emerald colored lagoons, secluded coves, pristine coral reefs, untouched rain forests and spectacular world renowned shopping! 

Next, Saint Kitts, located in the West Indies, a tropical paradise set amidst unspoiled secluded white sand beaches, aqua lagoons and intoxicating natural beauty making it one of the most seductive spots in the entire Caribbean with its British influence. 

Next stop - Aruba! If the palm fringed white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons don't get your heart pounding, the dazzling casinos and magnificent architecture will. This "Dutch paradise" is located in the Netherland Antilles, and its brightly painted buildings are as neat and trim as any on the canals of Amsterdam. Last stop  - Curacao! This yummy exotic destination, also located in the Netherland Antilles, leaves nothing to the imagination.

 It's truly a "secluded slice of paradise" with its exquisite and vibrant colored colonial buildings. From national parks to water sports, and from old pirate forts to the underwater sea life, this is one tropical paradise you'll never forget. 

And, as if this magnificent luxury cruise weren't enough, the price includes everything but the kitchen sink! A spacious category El Balconied Stateroom including seven meals per day, nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, round trip air from Phoenix to San Juan (air also available from 171 other U.S. cities including Honolulu, Anchorage and 18 Canadian towns but air price may vary depending on your actual departure city other than Phoenix), all foreign and U.S. taxes, all security, government and airport fees, all port taxes, all transfers, resort overnight stay in San Juan including all hotel taxes and services fees, several gala parties during the cruise, even cancellation insurance and ship tips! 

So what are you waiting for? Some people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in , you only have to wait until October 03, 2013.  

WARNING: This cruise may cause thrill-related injuries. Eyes in the back of your head recommended. Experience life without a ripcord and call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100! Limited space. 

Happy "Caribbean sailing" trails to you......

To find out more about this once in a lifetime Cruise or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com

Family Spring Break in Kauai, Hawaii

For many families, Spring Break means it's time to pack up and get out of town together. Traveling to Hawaii can be long and expensive from certain parts of the country (though West Coasters definitely have an advantage), but the journey is more than worthwhile for families who can make it. 

Kauai is the most lush - and least developed - of Hawaii's 4 major islands, with a richly fertile interior and rugged cliffs in the northwest offsetting pristine white beaches along the north and south coasts. Also called the Garden Isle, Kauai is the place Hollywood heads when it needs a suitably tropical and remote locale. Think King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park - all of which had scenes filmed here. Even the island's Wailua Falls earned small-screen distinction when it was used in the opening credits for the TV show Fantasy Island. 

Kauai is truly a natural wonder, home to the wettest place on Earth (Mount Waialeale), the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" (Waimea Canyon), and a host of other eye-popping spectacles, brought to you courtesy of Mother Nature.

Of course, Kauai also happens to earn the distinction of being home to one of the world's best beaches - Poipu, a series of three white crescents curving beside turquoise waters along the island's south coast. Running from the Sheraton Kauai Resort east to Poipu Beach Park, Poipu Beach offers excellent swimming, surfing and snorkeling, as well as ample opportunity for less energetic pursuits like watching palm trees sway in the wind while lying flat on your back on a towel. 

In fact, it's a near-perfect destination for families, since older kids (and wannabe kids) can head closer to the rocky outcroppings to catch some surf, while younger waders and novice swimmers can stick to the crescents' middle reaches, where the water tends to be calmer. Just a bit farther east is Poipu Beach Park, where a lifeguard is on duty and shallow near-shore waters make for safe swimming. Here there are showers, restrooms and picnic tables, making a day-long excursion possible.

Hanalei Bay's gentle waves are ideal for beginning surfers, while Mom and Dad can walk the beach and check out the sights, just as George Clooney did in "The Descendants." You might even go into town for a cold one at Tahiti Nui, the bar featured in the movie. Or maybe just some shave ice.  

Waimea Canyon, on Kauai's west side, is often described as "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific." In fact, it offers an unparalleled display of sunlight and shadow combining to reveal an astonishing landscape in endless shades of red, green, blue, gray and purple carved thousands of years ago.

Waves crashing, frigates soaring, albatrosses gliding to an elegant landing on a nearby island, and the sea wind whipping around you like briny caresses: Visit this vintage lighthouse in winter and you're likely to see humpback whales, too. About 45 minutes from the town of Lihue, this 52-foot-tall lighthouse once had a beam that reached 90 miles out to sea. Today, retired from duty, it’s Kauai's favorite tourist attraction and part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, replete with signage identifying a bevy of birds

Looking for a place that will make spring break special this year? Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!


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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Ireland

With Saint Patrick's Day just a few days away, perhaps your Irish roots are calling and you dream of a vacation in Ireland. Here are a few places that are a must see when in Ireland.

The Ring of Kerry 
The Ring of Kerry is a hugely popular road route through the southwest of Ireland that encompasses some of Ireland’s best scenery and heritage. Beginning in the town of Killarney, the Ring of Kerry comprises three roads — the N70,  the N71, and the R562 — that together form a circuitous route through the Iveragh Peninsula.

Hill of Tara
Around 5,000 years old, the Hill of Tara was the seat of power for ancient Ireland’s high kings. A high concentration of ancient ceremonial monuments have been uncovered at the location, which has not been thoroughly excavated. Mound of the Hostages is a neolithic passage grave is the oldest monument excavated at the site. Archaeologists believe that it was constructed circa 3000 B.C. The Mound of the Hostages contains a chamber that is designed to capture the light of the rising sun on two specific dates: 1st of February, the pagan festival of Imoblc (which later became St. Brigid’s Day), and 1st of November, the pagan festival of Samhain (which became Halloween).

Newgrange
Built 1,000 years before Stonehenge, Newgrange is Ireland’s best-known prehistoric monument. Located in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, it is arguably Europe’s finest example of a megalithic passage grave. According to the most reliable Carbon 14 dating technique carried out at Newgrange, the structure was erected around 3200 BC, 600 years before the Giza Pyramids in Cairo.

The Rock of Cashel
The word Cashel is derived from a Gaelic  word meaning “fortress” and it’s not hard to see why. The Rock of Cashel lays claim, with much justification, to the title “most spectacular archaeological site in Ireland”. Situated just outside Cashel town in County Tipperary, this limestone mound rises 200 feet into the air, giving an ominous and towering presence to the fortifications perched on top. These include the ruins of a castle, a cathedral, an abbey, a chapel, a round tower, high crosses and several other structures, all of which are enclosed within an impressive stone wall.

Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle in Cork is most famous for its “Stone of Eloquence”, known internationally as the Blarney Stone. A castle erected on this site in the 11th century. It is believed to have been a wooden structure, since no evidence remains of it today. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone structure, which in turn was destroyed in 1446.It was rebuilt again soon after by Cormac Laidir (meaning Cormac the Strong) MacCarthy, fourth Lord of Muskerry, who died in 1495.

The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a  unique and spectacular geological formation.The rocky structure is nestled beneath the sea cliffs of the north Antrim coast.
■ This bizarre structure consists of around 40,000 polygonal rock columns protruding from the sea
■ The tops of the columns form stepping-stones that lead outwards from the cliffs and eventually disappear under the sea
■ Northern Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, the Giant’s Causeway was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com 

Tips When Traveling to Hawaii

Best Time to Visit
The best weather is often found in April, May, September and October. These are also the months when you can find some good travel bargains.

Choosing an Island
There are eight islands in Hawaii, six of which you can visit. No one island is like any other. Since Hawaii is so far away, (especially those from the East Coast) plan to visit at least two islands and spend at least ten days to two weeks on the trip. 

Discover why the six Islands of Aloha are home to treasures unlike any other on earth: The dramatic cliffs of the Napali Coast on Kauai. The vibrant shores of Waikiki Beach on Oahu. The miles of white sands of Papohaku Beach on Molokai. The dolphin friendly waters of Hulopoe Bay on Lanai. The summit of Haleakala on Maui. The primal energy of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island. It won’t be easy choosing which island to visit on your trip to Hawaii, but you’ll find there are no wrong answers.

What You Can Bring In or Take Out
The Department of Agriculture enforces strict rules regarding the exportation of uninspected plants and animals and requires a declaration form for each person arriving in Hawaii. When departing, your luggage must pass a pre-flight screening for uninspected fruits and plants. You are welcome to take inspected fresh flowers and fruits home. Items purchased at the airport or mailed home form local vendors are inspected for you.

Language
Hawaiian and English are the official languages of Hawaii. However English is by far the main spoken language. There are some subtle differences in usage (see below), but standard English is universally understood in Hawaii. Hawaiian "pidgin" English, spoken by many locals, incorporates bits of Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese and many other languages. Learning a few words of Hawaiian can be fun and useful.

Safety
Theft is a big problem in cities as well as beaches and parks. If you are camping on a beach, keep bags locked in a car (but don't assume that they are safe in the trunk, especially if you are driving a rental) and keep valuables in a hidden money belt. Although Hawaii is generally considered relatively safe, it does have some violent crime, especially in Honolulu. Consequently, women should not walk alone in unlit areas. Although Honolulu has one of the lowest violent crime rates of metro areas in the U.S., use your common sense. Stay smart and act as if you were in your own home city: lock doors, lock cars, and don't leave valuables lying around. 

Dress
Hawaii's laid-back reputation extends to dress: with ideal weather year-round in most places, shorts are always appropriate around the islands. Long pants are fine, too, and you will still be quite comfortable. You do normally need to wear a shirt in public; going bare-chested is for the beach, although businesses near the beach are tolerant of it, particularly outside of the city. Sandals and flip-flops are very common, but note that they're always called slippers or slippa by locals. Going barefoot off the beach is uncommon, but again, businesses may tolerate it to some extent. 

The business aloha shirt extends also to dressing up for fine dining, entertainment, and even church; some preachers wear business aloha shirts for church services. As a visitor, just put on a collared shirt, shoes, and, depending on the restaurant you're going to, either shorts or slacks. Ties and jackets will never be necessary.

Staying Health
Be sure to have travel health insurance. If you are a U.S. resident with private health insurance, you should consult your insurance carrier to determine what copayments apply and to what extent your insurance is accepted in Hawaii by doctors and hospitals in the event you need health care while on your trip.

When going to the beach/swimming always wear suntan lotion or sun guard to protect your skin from burns.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Alaska

This vast landscape does not contain any roads or trails. Visitors discover intact ecosystems where people have lived with the land for thousands of years. Wild rivers meander through glacier-carved valleys, caribou migrate along age-old trails, endless summer light fades into aurora-lit night skies of winter. It remains virtually unchanged except by the forces of nature.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a U.S. National Park in Alaska. It is the northernmost national park in the U.S. (the entirety of the park lies north of the Arctic Circle) and the second largest at 13,238 miles, about the same size as Switzerland. The park consists primarily of portions of the Brooks Range of mountains. It was first protected as a U.S. National Monument on December 1, 1978, before becoming a national park and preserve two years later in 1980 upon passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. A large part of the park is protected in the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness which covers 7,167,192 acres. The wilderness area adjoins the Noatak Wilderness Area and together they form the largest contiguous wilderness in the United States.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a remote wilderness area located above the Arctic Circle and far from any roads. Most visitors access the Park and Preserve by bush plane, starting from local villages. Others hike in from the Dalton Highway or the village of Anaktuvuk Pass. Access to this park requires careful planning, but the experience that awaits those who enter is one of a kind and well worth the effort.

Gates of the Arctic is one of the last truly wild places on earth. Here you can take a journey of adventure, discovery and solitude through vast valleys and gaunt mountains of rugged beauty and experience nature on it own terms. Visitors to the park must have the knowledge and skills to be truly self sufficient in the remote location and demanding climate of the Brooks Range. Those who come will find that opportunities for recreation and for natural quiet, solitude and wilderness enjoyment abound.

At 8510 feet, Mount Igikpak, at the headwaters of the Noatak River, is the highest peak in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com